IB History Higher Level (HL) Practice Exam 2026 - Free IB History HL Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Walwal incident was a significant event that contributed to the diplomatic crisis known as the Abyssinian Crisis, which unfolded in the 1930s. This incident occurred on December 5, 1934, when a skirmish broke out between Ethiopian and Italian troops at the Walwal oasis, located on the border between Ethiopia and Italian Somaliland. The confrontation was fueled by longstanding tensions between the two nations, which were exacerbated by Italy's ambitions to expand its colonial holdings in Africa.

The importance of the Walwal incident lies not only in its immediate military implications but also in its diplomatic repercussions. Following the confrontation, Italy's government, led by Benito Mussolini, used the event to justify a full-scale invasion of Ethiopia in 1935, claiming to protect its citizens and asserting its colonial rights. This led to a broader international response and highlighted the ineffectiveness of the League of Nations, which struggled to mediate between the two nations and ultimately failed to prevent the escalation into war.

In contrast, the other options, such as the invasion of Korea and the annexation of Manchuria, relate to different historical contexts and events, while the signing of the Treaty of Versailles deals with the aftermath of World War I and the reorganization